Median Income
$28,958
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,700
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$873
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.0%
142% higher than US avg
How Lynch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population727
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density2,423/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$28,958
Per Capita$16,540
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty30.0%
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,700
Rent$873
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$54,823
Housing Units451
Rent Burden44.4%
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain60.5 in/yr
Elevation1,755 ft (535 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+85.1%
Graduate+14.1%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute32 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations2
Is Lynch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lynch receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lynch offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lynch is $28,958, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lynch is $55,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lynch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.5 inches, including 34.6 inches of snow.
Lynch has a population of 727 with a density of 2,423 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%), with 8.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 34.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
727
Total Population
2023 Census
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Lynch is $28,958, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,540 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $879, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 231 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,958 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,540 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,964 |
| Gini Index | 0.524 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.0% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.1% |
| Public Transit | 5.5% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Lynch is $55,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $54,823. Monthly rent averages $873 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 44.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $54,823 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $873 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 44.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 451 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Lynch, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 4.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,222. The dentist ratio is 1:722. 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lynch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 4.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,222 |
| Dentists | 1:722 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 21,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Lynch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,755 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,755 ft (535 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,423/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9642°N, 82.9143°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Norton city County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
94 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.5"
59% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.02"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
82 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
23 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
42 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
76 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
19 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
79 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
62 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
112 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 fatalities, 246 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF2 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2024 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
41 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
40 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
14 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,817 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,572 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
Lynch has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 36°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 60.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.0") and October the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Lynch. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135-$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722-$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135-$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361-$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135-$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608-$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361-$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961-$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451-$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510-$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804-$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722-$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902-$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61-$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082-$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541-$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451-$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361-$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510-$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lynch
What is the population of Lynch?
Lynch has a population of 727 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 2,423 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Lynch expensive to live in?
Lynch is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $28,958, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lynch?
Lynch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 60.5 inches, with 34.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lynch?
The unemployment rate in Lynch is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $879. There are 231 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lynch?
The median home value in Lynch is $55,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $54,823. For renters, the median monthly rent is $873. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.9%.
How are the schools in Lynch?
Schools in Lynch score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.1% of adults in Lynch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.1% have completed high school. 14.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lynch?
The obesity rate in Lynch is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 4.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,222.
What is transportation like in Lynch?
The average commute in Lynch is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.1% of workers drive alone to work, 5.5% use public transit, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lynch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lynch is 86.7% White, 8.9% Black or African American. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 34.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.